The Best Daycare Centers in Southern Pines, NC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Southern Pines. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Southern Pines
The Academy of Moore County
The Academy of Moore County
The Academy of Moore County offers a comprehensive educational program serving children from infancy through school age. Their curriculum focuses on developmental milestones with age-appropriate learning activities, including literacy development, STEM exploration, and social-emotional learning. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, certified teachers with early childhood education credentials, and structured daily schedules that balance academic instruction with creative play. Parents consistently praise the center's communication, nurturing environment, and the visible developmental progress children make. The facility includes modern classrooms, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated spaces for art, music, and physical activities.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Southern Pines provides a play-based learning approach within a structured F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. The center features state-certified teachers with ongoing professional development, low student-to-teacher ratios, and secure facilities with surveillance systems. Their curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and character development, with enrichment programs in yoga, music, and Spanish. The modern facility includes bright classrooms, multiple playgrounds designed for different age groups, and dedicated spaces for STEAM activities. Parents consistently report high satisfaction with the school's communication, safety protocols, and the visible academic and social growth of their children.
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Primrose School of Pinehurst
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Pinehurst serves the Southern Pines area with their Balanced Learning® approach that combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers. The curriculum focuses on building independence, confidence, and essential academic skills through hands-on learning experiences in literacy, mathematics, science, and creative arts. The school maintains rigorous safety standards including secure entry systems, comprehensive background checks for staff, and regular safety drills. Teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features age-appropriate classrooms, multiple outdoor play areas, and dedicated spaces for music and movement. Parents consistently praise the school's structured yet nurturing environment, strong communication, and the development of both academic readiness and character traits in children.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Southern Pines, NC
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Southern Pines, NC?
In Southern Pines and the surrounding Moore County area, the average cost for full-time infant care (children under 18 months) typically ranges from $800 to $1,100 per month. For toddlers (ages 18 months to 3 years), you can expect to pay between $700 and $950 per month. These rates are influenced by factors such as the center's accreditation (like NAEYC or 4- or 5-star NC Star Rated License), curriculum offerings, and staff-to-child ratios. Home-based family childcare in Southern Pines is often slightly less expensive, averaging $650-$900 monthly. It's important to note that costs can be higher at centers associated with local institutions like Sandhills Community College or FirstHealth. We recommend contacting several providers directly for their most current fee schedules.
How do I verify the license and quality rating of a childcare center in Southern Pines?
All licensed childcare providers in Southern Pines are regulated by the North Carolina Division of Child Development and Early Education (DCDEE). You can verify a center's license and its official quality rating through the NC Child Care Search tool online. This tool will show you the facility's "Star Rated License," which ranges from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 stars being the highest. A higher star rating indicates that the program has met higher education standards for staff and has undergone more rigorous program assessments. When researching a Southern Pines center, look for their star rating certificate, which must be posted visibly. You can also contact the local DCDEE office or the Partnership for Children of Moore County for additional guidance and quality improvement program information.
Are waitlists common for daycare centers in Southern Pines, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are very common for high-quality daycare centers, especially for infant rooms, in Southern Pines. Due to the area's growth and the presence of military families from nearby Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), demand often exceeds capacity at top-rated centers. For infant care, it is strongly advised to begin your search and get on waitlists as early as your second trimester of pregnancy, if possible. For toddler and preschool slots, starting your search 6 to 9 months in advance is recommended. Many popular centers in Southern Pines have waitlists that are 12-18 months long for infants. Be prepared to pay a non-refundable waitlist fee (typically $25-$75) and to check in periodically with the center to maintain your spot.
What are some of the unique childcare options or programs available in Southern Pines that cater to the local community?
Southern Pines offers several unique programs tailored to its community. Many centers incorporate nature-based and outdoor learning, taking advantage of the area's beautiful parks and the Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve. Given the large population of military families, several centers participate in the Department of Defense's fee assistance programs and have staff trained to support children experiencing parental deployment. The Moore County Schools system also offers NC Pre-K programs for eligible 4-year-olds at specific elementary schools, which is a free, high-quality option. Additionally, several local churches offer Mother's Morning Out programs, which provide part-time care and socialization, a popular option for parents not needing full-time daycare.
What should I look for during an in-person tour of a daycare facility in Southern Pines?
When touring a daycare in Southern Pines, go beyond the basics. First, observe the cleanliness and safety of the environment—check for secure outdoor play areas and that cleaning supplies are locked away. Ask about their emergency procedures, especially regarding severe weather common to the Sandhills region. Notice how the staff interacts with the children; they should be engaged and responsive. Inquire about their daily schedule, including outdoor time (weather permitting) and nap routines. Ask specific questions about their sick policy and how they handle common childhood illnesses. Finally, request to see their most recent sanitation and licensing inspection reports, which they are required to have available. Trust your instincts about the overall atmosphere and whether it feels like a warm, nurturing, and stimulating place for your child.